Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explains queer performance in contemporary China and the Chinese diaspora. It examines some of the performances, including theatre, performance art, music, photography, digital media and social activism. The book argues that they play an important role in the formation of queer identities and communities in urban China today, and that these performances are performative and political as they bring sexual identities, communities and politics into existence. It also argues that contributes to fields such as theatre and performance studies, film studies, media studies, contemporary art, music, sociology, anthropology, cultural geography and China Studies. The book explores the internationalisation and mediatisation of theatre and performance studies; it also speaks to the equality, diversity and inclusion agenda in creative and cultural industries.